Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers reveal transdiagnostic synaptic dysfunction across major psychiatric disorders.
Synaptic dysfunction is increasingly recognized as a core feature of psychiatric disorders, yet fluid biomarkers that reflect such changes in vivo are lacking. Here, we applied targeted mass spectrometry to quantify low-abundant synaptic proteins in cerebrospinal fluid from 672 individuals with anorexia nervosa, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder (BD), schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SCZ + ), and healthy controls. Synaptic protein levels were markedly reduced in SCZ + , with intermediate reductions in BD and ADHD. Using a data-driven approach to model transdiagnostic contrasts-psychotic experience, cognitive and functional impairment-a shared two-biomarker signature emerged: elevated LAMP1, a phagolysosomal marker, and reduced NPTX2, a synaptic activity marker which inhibits complement-dependent synapse elimination. Combining this ratio with polygenic scores improved diagnostic classification. Key findings were extended to an independent cohort at first-episode psychosis. These results support synaptic pathology as a measurable and transdiagnostic feature across several psychiatric disorders and highlight the potential of integrating fluid and genetic biomarkers.
Authors
Göteson Göteson, Nilsson Nilsson, Camporesi Camporesi, Klahn Klahn, Hörbeck Hörbeck, Sigström Sigström, Jonsson Jonsson, Sparding Sparding, PÄlsson PÄlsson, Pelanis Pelanis, Goulding Goulding, Isgren Isgren, Erhardt Erhardt, Cervenka Cervenka, Bulik Bulik, Zetterberg Zetterberg, Blennow Blennow, Sellgren Sellgren, Brinkmalm Brinkmalm, Landén Landén
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